Vaccination in Nigeria: Latest Updates on Malaria, Immunization Schedule, and the Gavi Grant
Vaccines are one of Nigeria’s best tools for fighting diseases especially among children and people living in hard to reach areas. With strong support from the government and global partners like Gavi, Nigeria’s immunization programs are improving fast. In this article, we’ll break down the latest updates, from the new malaria vaccine to Nigeria’s immunization schedule and what the Gavi grant really means for the country.
Real Experience: Polio Vaccination in Sokoto, June 2025
On June 14, 2025, I worked as an independent supervisor during the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) in Sokoto State. For four days, we moved from one village to another to give the oral polio vaccine to children under five years old.
It wasn’t easy. We traveled under the hot sun, faced rough roads, and reached some very remote communities. But what made it worth it was how warmly we were received. More than 90% of parents allowed their children to get vaccinated, and many thanked us for coming. It felt good to see that people really wanted this service in their village.
That moment reminded me that vaccination is more than just numbers. It’s about trust and connection with real people. The Sokoto campaign showed how powerful community involvement can be.
What is Nigeria’s current immunization coverage?
According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), around 57% of Nigerian children under one year were fully vaccinated by 2023. That’s a huge jump from just 33% in 2016.
Still, not every region is doing the same. Rural areas and places affected by insecurity are lagging behind. To fix this, the government has launched special campaigns and mobile teams to reach more children especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Is the malaria vaccine available in Nigeria?
Yes. In 2024, Nigeria began using the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is a big deal because Nigeria records the highest number of malaria cases and deaths globally.
The vaccine is already being rolled out in states like Kano, Kaduna, and Bayelsa. It’s given to children between 5 months and 36 months old, in four doses over two years.
What is the latest immunization schedule in Nigeria?
Nigeria’s national immunization schedule now includes these free vaccines:
- BCG (Tuberculosis)
- OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)
- Pentavalent (DTP-HepB-Hib)
- PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
- IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine)
- Rotavirus Vaccine
- Yellow Fever
- Measles-Rubella
- Meningitis A
- Malaria Vaccine (R21)
These vaccines are available at health centres and during national immunization days. Parents are encouraged to follow the schedule on their child’s immunization card.
What is the Gavi grant and how is it helping Nigeria?
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is one of Nigeria’s biggest partners in improving vaccination. Between 2021 and 2025, Gavi committed over $500 million to support Nigeria in:
- Buying and delivering new vaccines
- Training health workers
- Improving cold chain storage
- Reaching more children through mobile services
Thanks to Gavi’s help, Nigeria is making strong progress in vaccine coverage and planning to manage more of its vaccine funding independently in the future.
Do travellers need to be vaccinated before entering Nigeria?
Yes. If you’re 9 months or older, you need to show proof of the Yellow Fever vaccine (Yellow Card) before entering Nigeria.
Other vaccines recommended for travellers include:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Meningitis (especially during dry season)
- Malaria prevention pills (note: no malaria vaccine yet for adults)
Conclusion
Vaccination in Nigeria is clearly improving. From the rollout of the malaria vaccine to increased coverage in rural areas, big steps are being made. Local campaigns—like the one in Sokoto—show just how powerful community support can be. With continued awareness, strong funding, and good partnerships, Nigeria is moving closer to a future where fewer people suffer from preventable diseases.
Sources:
- National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA)
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance